Volunteers as the driving force of Sunce
Volunteers hold a special place in civil society organizations, and the same is true for Sunce. Their energy, ideas, and enthusiasm drive us forward, especially in moments when we, as employees, often balance between implementing project activities and achieving project goals. Our volunteers, through their dedication, help carry out activities that we, as staff members, often do not have the time to implement. In doing so, they not only assist us in our daily work but also strengthen the entire community through their involvement. They remind us of how much one person, with effort and creativity, can achieve for both the environment and society.
The story of the ŠIZIKA workshops: from a voluntary initiative to a recognized project
One of the most inspiring volunteer stories in our organization is the example of the project “ŠIZIKA – Sewing, Patches, and Creative Activities“. It all started as a workshop activity for Sunce members: providing young people with the opportunity to learn how to sew and repair old clothes, thereby reducing consumerism and the harmful impact of fast fashion on the environment. With the involvement of volunteer Renata Botić, who led the sewing workshops with expertise and enthusiasm, the sessions quickly became a huge hit among citizens. Over time, ŠIZIKA grew into much more than educational workshops. The City of Split recognized its value and funded its further development, enabling us to ensure the continuity of the workshops and secure additional resources for their implementation.
However, ŠIZIKA is not just about sewing; it’s also about creating opportunities for young people. By including volunteers in the project, we enabled young individuals to experience firsthand how their efforts can contribute to the local community and how volunteering can be the first step toward employment.
Celebrating International Volunteer Day
This year, we marked International Volunteer Day with special pride and gratitude. At our traditional pub quiz Quzios, we thanked all our volunteers for their contributions with small gifts. Additionally, our volunteer coordinator, Marija, and volunteer Filipa appeared on Radio Sunce to promote volunteering.
The next day, we participated in the awards ceremony of the Regional Volunteer Center “Udruga MI“. We proudly nominated two of our most active volunteers: Renata Botić and Andro Rudan. Renata brought a new dimension to the ŠIZIKA project with her sewing skills and workshops, while Andro made an invaluable contribution to various Sunce activities, demonstrating exceptional team spirit and dedication.
Additionally, this month saw the foundation of Sunce’s first official volunteer club to further connect and engage our volunteers in various activities. At their joint meeting, the volunteers chose the name SoleSTerra, which translates from Latin as “Earthly Suns.” The name was nearly unanimously accepted as it embodies the mission of our volunteers—to help the Earth alongside Sunce. It also highlights the importance of volunteers, who, like the Sun, are an eternal source of energy for the Earth, with their impact on the community emphasized by the prominent ST in the name.
During the same week, we welcomed a new volunteer from the European Solidarity Corps, Sergej Sarachevski from North Macedonia, who will undoubtedly enrich our work with his knowledge and skills. Sunce has been accredited to implement this program since 2015, and every year, we host two or three international volunteers for long-term volunteer activities.
How volunteering can change your future
Volunteering is not just a way to help others; it is also an opportunity to help yourself. By participating in activities like the ŠIZIKA project, young people gain practical knowledge, develop social and organizational skills, and experience how an entrepreneurial idea can come to life through teamwork. Moreover, volunteering often opens doors to employment. Employers value volunteer experience, as it demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work in a team.
A call to young people: be the change you want to see
If you are young and want to make a meaningful impact—not just on your community but also on your personal and professional growth—consider volunteering. Through volunteering, you can form new friendships, learn new skills, and become part of a story that changes the world for the better.
At Sunce, we are always looking for motivated volunteers who want to contribute to environmental protection and the development of a sustainable society. We will soon be opening a call for new long-term volunteers as part of the European Solidarity Corps.
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